Catholic Church in Portugal
The Portuguese Catholic Church, or Catholic Church in Portugal, is part of the worldwide Catholic Church in communion with the Pope in Rome, under the Portuguese Episcopal Conference. The Catholic Church is the world's largest Christian organisation. It is Portugal's largest religion and its former state religion, and has existed in the territory since the Iberian Peninsula was ruled by the Roman Empire.
Catholic Church in Portugal | |
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| Portuguese: Igreja Católica em Portugal | |
Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, the seat of the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon | |
| Type | National polity |
| Classification | Catholic |
| Orientation | Latin |
| Scripture | Bible |
| Theology | Catholic theology |
| Governance | Episcopal Conference of Portugal |
| Pope | Francis |
| Primate | Jorge Ortiga |
| Patriarch of Lisbon | Manuel III |
| Apostolic Nuncio | Ivo Scapolo |
| Region | Portugal |
| Language | Portuguese, Latin |
| Headquarters | Lisbon Cathedral |
| Founder | St. Peter of Rates |
| Origin | 44 A.D. Lusitania, Roman Empire |
| Official website | Episcopal Conference of Portugal |
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There are an estimated nine million baptised Catholics in Portugal (84% of the population) in twenty dioceses, served by 2789 priests. Although a large number wish to be baptized, married in the church, and receive last rites, only 19% of the national population attend Mass and take the sacraments regularly.
In 2010, the average age of priests was 62. In 2012 88% of the Portuguese population considered themselves Catholic in a commissioned survey of religious attitudes sponsored by a Christian organization.